From the Acting Principal

Last Thursday, we held our 2024 Year 12 Academic Award Ceremony at our Melton Campus following our opening Mass.

Our students, staff, award recipients and their guests celebrated achievements in Units 3 and 4 VCE, VCE VM and VET.

We had the opportunity to acknowledge our 2024 College Dux, Kaitlyn Borg. Kaitlyn achieved outstanding academic results with an ATAR of 98.55. She was also the subject dux in Biology, English Language, Specialist Mathematics and Chemistry and in 2023 Psychology. An amazing achievement.

Kaitlyn made her official Dux speech, thanking her peers, staff and family for the support received. She has accepted an offer to study Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne and we wish her the very best.

Leadership awards were also presented during the ceremony. Student Ryan Dreaver received the Long Tan Future Innovators Award and one of our parents, Julie Gruis, was presented with the Hawke Award. Julie has been a member of the Parents and Friends Association for the past six years, serving on the leadership executive and volunteering at many events.

It was wonderful to talk to the award recipients and their families over morning tea and to hear their plans for 2025.

We are proud of these achievements and of all our Year 12 students who worked to the best of their ability in 2024 in all pathways. It is exciting to hear of their plans as they move beyond St Francis Catholic College.

Click here to view the full list of award recipients.

Melton Campus Welcome Evening

It has been a very busy start to the year with the combined Welcome Evening and Year Level Information Sessions.

The information presented is now available on our website for families who were unable to attend. Click here to view the year-level presentations.

The sessions provided an overview of wellbeing and learning and teaching initiatives in 2025, College policies and procedures and the important events in the year ahead.

Education is a three-way partnership between families, students and the College. Working together we can achieve great outcomes for your child.

Looking Ahead - Melton Campus Students

Parents and Friends Meeting

Families are welcome and encouraged to become involved in the College community through the Parents and Friends Association.

The Association provides an opportunity to meet other families, hear about what is going on at the College and have a say in new initiatives. Each meeting includes a short presentation from a College staff member.

Our first meeting for 2025 will be held on Tuesday 25 February from 7pm at the Cobblebank Campus.

All formal positions will be open and appointed on the night.

To express interest in joining the meeting, please email arowley@sfcc.vic.edu.au.

From your College Captain – Melton Campus

The beginning of 2025 has been a very busy one, setting the stage for an exciting and memorable year.

As Year 12s embark on their most crucial year of schooling and Year 7s make some of their first high school memories, the school has been buzzing with anticipation.

In our first three weeks, we have held many significant events such as the Opening Mass, Senior Awards Ceremony and the Welcome Evening and Year-Level Information Sessions - all amidst the summer heat.

The Opening Mass was a very reverent ceremony that involved the whole of Melton Campus and some of our Cobblebank Campus students. The Mass was followed by the Senior Awards Ceremony which enabled students, staff and teachers to celebrate and congratulate the 2024 Year 12 students for their hard work and determination.

It was a delight to hear about their achievements and they stand as role models for the younger year levels.

Our Welcome Evening for families was a success, with more than 700 people attending. It allowed teachers to meet parents and gave families an insight into the year ahead.

Overall, the year has kicked off at a fast pace, but we’ve made a fantastic start.

2025 Year 12 Academic Awards Ceremony

Last Thursday, we had the great pleasure of welcoming our high-achieving Year 12 students from 2025 to recognise and celebrate their dedication, growth and achievements. 

The students we acknowledged demonstrated consistent effort and a genuine commitment to their studies. Whether through their chosen VCE subjects or their applied learning pathway, they showed a strong work ethic, steady engagement, and a willingness to challenge themselves and grow. 

We also acknowledged our teachers, support staff, and families for creating the environment in which our students can flourish.

It was inspiring to have our College Dux, Jordan Nidras, speak to our community and share his inspiration with us all. Jordan encouraged our current Year 12 students to be consistent with their studies, to set ambitious yet achievable goals and to enjoy the year so they can walk away feeling satisfied they did their very best and invigorated for what lies ahead. You can read his speech below.

Below is a full list of our 2025 Year 12 awards recipients.

College Dux

Jordan Nidras, who achieved an ATAR of 98.30

VCE VM Awards

Unit 3 and 4 Subject Duxes

Cassandra Camilleri - Literacy

Sione Fonua - Numeracy

Riley Grech - Work-Related Skills

Tyniha Hawira - Personal Development

2025 VET Dux

Joshua Saliba

2025 VPC Dux

Belinda McGuffie

2025 VCE VM Unit 3/4 Dux

Sione Fonua

2025 IVET Excellence Award recipient 

Belinda McGuffie

Unit 3 and 4 VCE and VCE/VET Awards

Year 11 students who have excelled in their academic studies are also eligible to receive these awards.

VCE Unit 3 and 4 Subject Duxes

Students who attained the highest study score in their subject. The study score must be above 35 for acknowledgement.

High Achiever Study Score Awards

The following students achieved a score of 40 or higher out of 50 in a Unit 3/4 subject, scaled or unscaled. This score places them in the top 10% of the State.

High Achiever ATAR Awards

These awards are presented to those students who achieved the highest ATARS above 85 at the College, placing them in the top 15% of students across the state.

Jordan Nidras achieved an ATAR of 98.30 and will study Science at the University of Melbourne.

Emischa Morales achieved an ATAR of 97.05 and will study Commerce/Law at the University of Melbourne.

Cara Reading achieved a perfect score of 50 in Health and Human Development and an ATAR of 96.65. Cara will study Nursing/Paramedicine at the Australian Catholic University.

Emma Presnell achieved an ATAR of 94.10 and will study Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University.

Lucy Thompson achieved an ATAR of 92.80 and will study Design at the University of Melbourne.

Talank Srikumar achieved an ATAR of 91.50 and will study Medicine at Monash University.

Keely-Shae Clark achieved an ATAR of 90.60 and will study Education (Primary & Secondary) at Australian Catholic University.

Jasmine Van Berkel achieved an ATAR of 88.90 and will be study Science at the University of Melbourne.

Lucas Perry achieved an ATAR of 88.30 and will study Accounting and Finance at Australian Catholic University.

Leadership Awards

ADF Long Tan Future Innovators Award - Mikaela Mendoza

This award recognises a student interested in science and mathematics who demonstrated strong abilities in these areas in 2025. The recipient must display strong values, such as doing one's best, respect for others, and an interest in STEM for future innovation.

ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award - Emma Presnell

This award recognises a student who demonstrates leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader community. The recipient must display strong values, such as doing one's best, respect for others, and mateship; qualities that are highly regarded and integral to Australian society.

Ampol Best All-Rounder Award - Sage Gnacinski

Every year, the Ampol Best All-Rounder Award gives us the opportunity to acknowledge a final-year student who has made an exceptional contribution both in and out of the classroom. The award recognises qualities including leadership, service and community, attitude, and personal conduct.

Hawke Award - Trish Griffin, teacher and Social Justice Coordinator, Melton Campus

The Hawke Award is named after the Hawke electoral seat, which itself pays homage to former Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Eligible recipients are from the regions around Sunbury, Melton, Bacchus Marsh, and Ballan.

Trish has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to the school community and her dedication to service and social justice.

For the past four years, she has led the College Breakfast Club, ensuring students are welcomed each morning with care and generosity. She has also coordinated the St Vincent de Paul Reading Program, supporting young readers at the Melton Library. She has organised the annual Winter Sleep Out, raising awareness of homelessness through action and example.

Her leadership in initiatives such as Ks for Caritas reflects her creativity, compassion, and deep commitment to making a difference.

Passionate about social justice, Trish has inspired countless students to serve others and live out the Gospel call to love and hope.

John Landy Sportsmanship Award - Mia Grainger and Emma Presnell

This award is presented to students who have been nominated for demonstrating one or more of the following at SACCSS events:

• outstanding acts of sportsmanship during and out of competition
• outstanding acts of fair play during competition
• and acts of cooperation, courtesy and respect to officials and opposing players.

Below is the speech given by our 2025 College Dux Jordan Nidras during last week’s awards ceremony.

Good afternoon staff, students, parents and families,

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the college for granting me the privilege and honour of speaking in front of everyone here today.

I would also like to congratulate all my fellow 2025 graduates here today for the incredible achievement of completing VCE to such an exceptional degree. We made it!

Year 12 was a truly remarkable year for me. It was a pivotal year of change, stress, and anxiety, but also of joy, laughter, and fun.

I went into the year with the mindset that my studies were the only thing that mattered, but I ultimately learned that balance is most important.

So, my advice to all future and present Year 12 students is, of course, to work hard and set ambitious, yet achievable goals, but also to take the time to enjoy the year ahead, because it is a turning point in life that you should not take for granted.

As long as you put consistent effort into your academic work and your passions while maintaining a healthy equilibrium, you will no doubt reap the benefits of your discipline at the end of the year, and you will walk away from high school feeling satisfied and invigorated but not burned out.

I would like to thank all the teachers I had throughout Year 12 for setting me up for success by being consistently available, helpful, and supportive.

You all pushed me to be the very best student I could be, and your impact on me as a person will stay with me throughout my life. I am incredibly grateful to you all.

Thank you also for making each class engaging and entertaining, making the workload so much less daunting and encouraging all my peers and me to put our best foot forward.

I would also like to thank my family, my parents and my younger sister, for your immense and unending support and care throughout not just Year 12, but my entire life.

I am so fortunate to have such a secure, encouraging network behind me in you, knowing I can always rely on you.

I am so thankful that you have always been by my side and have allowed me to grow as a person. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to have you in my life.

Finally, I would also like to extend thanks to the friends I’ve made throughout my time at St Francis Catholic College.

You have had such a great impact on my life that it is hard for me to put into words, and I cannot thank you enough for standing by me this entire year and making so many amazing memories with me.

I wouldn’t be half the person I am today if it weren’t for all of you, and I can’t wait to see us all into our futures and to continue to develop into the best versions of ourselves.

Now, I would like to wish everyone listening today all the best in 2026.

Whether you’re in Year 12 yourself and are nervous or excited about the year ahead, or you’re only just beginning your high school journey and don’t know what to expect, I hope that you’re able to find satisfaction and enjoyment in your time at school.

I believe every person in this room has incredible potential and I encourage you to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

College Parent Handbook

Our College Parent Handbook has been updated for 2025 and is now available on our website. 

It provides information to help you and your child navigate day-to-day life at our Melton and Cobblebank campuses.

Whether you are new to our community or have been with us for some time, this handbook includes procedures, policies and other guides listed alphabetically on topics commonly accessed by parents and guardians.

Year 7 2027 Enrolment

Enrolments for Year 7 2027 are now open, so if you have a child in Year 5 and would like them to attend St Francis Catholic College, please click here and complete an application online by Friday 15 August 2025.

You will need to attach the following documents with your application:

• Your child’s Birth Certificate, Baptism Certificate and Immunisation History Statement
• Your child’s last school report
• A copy of your child’s Visa, Passport and Australian Citizenship Certificate if they were born outside Australia.

You will also be required to pay an application fee of $50.

All families must attend an interview at the College as part of the enrolment process. You will be notified of the interview time in due course after you lodge your application.

The College will notify all families of the result of their application by Friday 17 October 2025.

New College tour dates for Term 1 2025 are also now available. Click here to register.

Enrolment for Year 7 2026

Applications for Year 7 2026 at both campuses were due on 16 August 2024.

You can still apply online, however late applications may result in your child being placed on a waiting list.

All families must attend an interview at the College as part of the enrolment process. You will be notified of the interview time in due course after you lodge your application.

Edrolo Payments for Year 11 and 12 students

If your child requires Edrolo for a subject they are studying in 2025 (as indicated on their booklist), please be aware of the following:

• the payment portal closes on Monday 17 March 2025.
• non-payment will result in families being billed via their school fee accounts.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact your child’s House Leader or our Accounts department to discuss your options.

Below is information on how to activate and pay for Edrolo:

1. Step-by-Step Guide on how to make payments
2. Payment Portal Explainer Article for parents and guardians

Melton Campus Year-Level Information Sessions

Melton Campus families who missed our Welcome Evening and Year-Level Information Sessions last Thursday or would like to revisit the presentations can view them below.

Year 7 & 8 2025 Information Evening Presentation

Year 9 2025 Information Evening Presentation

Year 10 2025 Information Evening Presentation

Year 11 & 12 2025 Information Evening Presentation

They are also available on the Publications and Forms page of our website.

Safety in Melton Campus Bus Lanes

Bus parking lanes on Bulmans Road are designed to provide a safe and efficient pick-up and drop-off area for students who use public transport to access Melton Campus.

We remind you that this dedicated bus lane should not be used by cars during the peak pick-up and drop-off times before and after school. Buses need unobstructed access to the area, and the increasing number of vehicles entering and stopping illegally has raised significant safety concerns.

If you drive your child to and from school, please use the following areas along Bulmans Road for drop-off and pick-up:

• the carpark at Arthur Westlake Reserve (next to St Catherine of Siena Primary School)
• parking on the opposite side of the road to the College. Students can then cross safely at the pedestrian crossing directly outside our main entrance at Gate 8.

Your child’s safety is our priority, and we greatly appreciate your cooperation.

Limited Places for 2025 Europe Trip

There are only a few places left for students in Years 10 and 11 who would like to join the College’s 2025 Europe Trip.

The trip will embark on an exhilarating journey that spans the realms of history, culture, and discovery! Students will traverse the enchanting streets of Assisi, the artistic wonderland of Florence, and experience the vibrant pulse of Berlin and poignant echoes of Krakow.

The approximate cost of the trip is $8000.

Families applying for the trip are expected to be up to date with their school fees.

Information about the trip and instructions on how to apply are available below.

For any enquiries, please email me at piannazzo@sfcc.vic.edu.au

SFCC Europe Trip 2025 Information Pack

SFCC Europe Trip 2025 Deposit Information

Sports Update

Congratulations to all Melton and Cobblebank students who participated in the 2024/25 Coles WMR Track and Field Carnival over the weekend. We are extremely proud of all our athletes!

Results and placings will be included in next week's newsletter.

Melton Campus Senior Sport – Round 1

SACCSS Badminton Champions

We have had a great start to school sports this year, with two of our Year 10 Melton Campus students winning a doubles title at the SACCSS Intermediate Badminton Tournament yesterday.

Sophie and Jasmeet went through the tournament undefeated, winning seven out of seven games to become the 2025 Girls Doubles C champions.

The event was a great experience for all our students.

Canteen – Cobblebank Campus

We are delighted to be back for 2025 and are fully operational.

Some reminders:

• Lunch service begins at 11.25am, and the cut-off time for lunch orders is 8.45am. Orders can be placed via Flexischools.
• The canteen operates on a cashless system, with card and contactless payments accepted. Additionally, we offer $5 and $10 canteen vouchers that can be purchased and used for any items in the canteen, with no requirement to redeem them in a single transaction.

Due to a limited selection of lunch items, we recommend pre-ordering if you have a specific item in mind.

To make ordering more convenient, we have partnered with Flexischools. Parents and students can easily order and pay for meals online by downloading the Flexischools app from the Apple or Google store and creating an account.

After setup, click Order Food to view the available menu items, place your order, and make the payment. Orders can be submitted at any time up until the cut-off time of 8.45am

Students can view the menu on Simon.

Canteen – Melton Campus

We are thrilled to welcome you back for the 2025 school year and are excited to be operating at full capacity.

Some reminders:

• Our lunch service begins at 11.25 am, and the cut-off time for lunch orders is 8.45am. Orders can be placed via Flexischools or by visiting the canteen before school starts.
• The canteen accepts cash, card, and contactless payments. Please note that phone payments will no longer be accepted after the first school bell.

We have partnered with Flexischools to provide a more convenient way for parents and students to order and pay for their meals online.

To get started, simply download the Flexischools app from the Apple or Google store and follow the prompts to create an account.

Once your account is set up, select Order Food to browse the available menu options, place your order, and complete the payment. Orders can be placed at any time before 8.45am.

Students can also view the full menu on Simon.

Community Notices

Parent Talk workshop

Useful Links

Keep updated with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.

PAM – Parent Portal

Enrolment

Parent Handbook

SFCC Careers Website

Facebook

Instagram

Policies

Uniform

Library